Dear Friends,

Greetings from the Board of Directors of the Hope N Literacy International Foundation, Inc. This has been an exciting year and we want to share some of the developments with you and give you an idea of what we see happening in the coming years.

As you know, Hope N Literacy was founded for the specific purpose of advancing the education (both academic and religious) of the children and adults living in Casse-Pied, Haiti. This remote village, of 1,000 people, had no school and no church. Children who wanted an education and were physically able had to walk five-miles down the mountain to Jean Rabel to attend school, then walk back up the mountain. This physically challenging effort prevented many from getting even a basic education. Attendance at a nearby church required the same effort.

Hope N Literacy constructed a building on the top of the mountain. While it is small and rustic, it provides a place for 107 children to get an education. As of this fall the teaching staff was increased to four, allowing them to give more  attention to each child. With the additional teacher, it now requires us to send $250/ month to pay the school and church staff.

The same facility is used for worship, and where the people come to hear the Word of the Lord. During our visit, in July,  there were 70 in attendance on Sunday morning and more than 150 at an outdoor evening service. The limited space causes lower attendance. When possible, the church meets in the open air while they wait for a bigger building.

I visited Casse-Pied in July this year, with Pastor Hugh Lackey, from the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Mary. We came bearing gifts from the congregation. They included a keyboard and a bass guitar with amphilifers to support their music ministry . The instruments were put into use immediately after arrival at the Sunday worship.

The village was excited by the other gift. We installed a Solar Power System with battery back-up. This was another gift from the congregation, and brought 24 hour light to the church for the first time “since creation.”

The Hope N Literacy Foundation provides support to mission churches in Haiti. While it supports four churches across the country, its primary focus is directed to the Village of Casse-Pied, Haiti.